In 2024, FAO delivered anticipatory cash transfers to 2 400 households in Somalia, triggered by early warning information from the Somalia Water and Land Information Management (SWALIM), ahead of peak drought conditions. One of the first rigorously evaluated anticipatory actions in the country, the intervention compared 1 600 beneficiary and 1 600 control households. Results show that anticipatory cash transfers improved purchasing power, food security and crop protection, increased savings, reduced displacement and strengthened household resilience. Lump-sum transfers were more effective than monthly instalments in preventing livestock losses, confirming the greater impact of assistance provided before hazards peak. These findings highlight the role of anticipatory cash transfers in reducing humanitarian needs, protecting livelihoods and supporting the humanitarian–development–peace nexus.